TV Host Dana Grodzki Undergoes Preventative Double Mastectomy

Israeli television presenter Dana Grodzki revealed on Thursday that she has undergone a successful double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. She shared the news from her hospital bed, stating the procedure went well. Grodzki's surgery follows the discovery that she is a carrier of a BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. She had a preventative removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes in January 2025 and subsequently decided to proceed with the breast surgery.

Grodzki previously urged others to get tested, emphasizing that early detection and intervention can be life-saving. According to the Cancer Society, one in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women carries a common BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. The prevalence is estimated at one in 56 for women of Ethiopian descent and one in 140 for other Jewish populations. This carrier status is identified through a specific genetic test, not a routine blood test.

In Israel, healthy Ashkenazi and Ethiopian Jewish women are eligible for free BRCA mutation screening as part of the health basket, regardless of family history. Other women may qualify for genetic testing based on their personal and family medical history. While not all carriers opt for surgery, preventative mastectomy can reduce breast cancer risk by over 90%. The decision is personalized, with medical teams considering age, risk factors, and family plans.

Preventative mastectomy and reconstruction for high-risk individuals are covered by Israel's public health system, subject to eligibility and medical approvals. Private procedures may incur additional costs. Grodzki, who has openly shared her anxieties throughout the process, has now completed a significant phase of her health journey, highlighting how genetic testing enables informed decisions and risk reduction before disease onset.